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The woman’s eye in Crash’s work represents “life within One” and he has said that in the mornings when you ride the subways, you can see wha…

Jeff Stratton

Skull Violin

Here is the amazing result of the exciting collaboration between Jeff Stratton, Robert Kantor Guitars® and Barbera Transducers. From a casual conversation then carved into reality, you can see that this is indeed a very special instrument. At Kantor Guitars®, we are always trying to raise the bar and with the help of the amazing Jeff Stratton, we believe that we have.

Jeff Stratton on his Skull Violins

“As I reflect on how I got to where I am today, my high school art teacher Ken Gessford probably has had the biggest influence in how I have developed as an artist and designer. I spent a lot of time in his classroom listening to great music and creating whatever was in my head that wanted to come out and be seen. Now, if an idea is stuck in my head, I turn on the Grateful Dead and start banging away with the chisels…”

“I started making electric violins 12 years ago out of a garage in San Diego. Then, in a stroke of karma, I moved to Varna, Bulgaria and started my studio – a perfect move. Everything I need to make it work is here: the wood, skilled craftsmen, and the creative environment. I had no idea there was such a large violin-making culture in Bulgaria.”

“The skull violin was born out my desire to have an electric violin for my own use, but I wanted something that fit with my own style. I have always liked the distressed look of old furniture, the cracks in the dirt as it dries out after a rain and, most of all, old wooden shipwrecks. The skull design fit perfectly into the shape of a classic violin and the look I was after.”

“I never expected the skull violin to be so popular. With the global reach of the internet, I now ship violins worldwide.”

“The best thing about this business is the people I get to meet in the process. It has been such a big pleasure for me. Now I have the opportunity to work with a great guy like Robert Kantor.”